India’s Steel Sector Continues Its Upward Trajectory in Apr-Jul 2026

The Ministry of Steel released provisional data detailing the upward trajectory of India's steel sector for the April-July 2026 period. Crude steel production reached 56.2 million tonnes (Mt), while finished steel production touched 54.7 Mt. Finished steel consumption grew to 56.0 Mt, with India remaining a net importer of finished steel in terms of quantity during Apr-Jul 2026. Trade data indicates China and Korea were the top import sources, while Vietnam and UAE were the leading export destinations. Policy and industry developments noted include the notification of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026 on August 17, 2026, trial operations of a new iron ore beneficiation plant at NMDC Bacheli, an MoA between MECON and NMDC Steel Limited, and the issuance of Green Steel Certificates to 98 steel producers across 15 states under the Ministry's Green Steel Initiative.